Neymar will miss the remainder of the Copa America after CONMEBOL increased his suspension to four matches on Friday. On top of the ban, Neymar was given a $10,000 fine. The Argentina midfielder says greater protection must be given to skilful players in South America. Javier Mascherano says Brazil captain Neymar was kicked out of the Copa America.
The Barcelona forward was handed a four-match ban by Conmebol on Friday following his red card and subsequent clash with referee Enqiue Osses during the Selecao’s 1-0 loss to Colombia.
The sanction means Neymar will miss the remainder of the tournament and Argentina midfielder Mascherano says his Blaugrana team-mate has been once again let down by match officials.
“Things like this happen in South American football and even more so in the Copa America, where it’s difficult for players like him because you get more protection in Europe,” Mascherano told ESPN.
“Neymar was kicked 20 times, yet he was shown a yellow card for one handball. These type of talented players aren’t allowed to play. The tackles are getting worse in the tournament. It depends on what the referees and organisations want to do about it.
“We must do more to protect these players. He was kicked 20 times! This affects your head. Don’t forget that Neymar is Neymar, but he’s only a boy of 23 years. Brazil have lost a lot.”
Neymar was handed a second yellow card at the final whistle for kicking the ball against Colombia’s Pablo Armero before aiming a head-butt at Jeison Murillo.
He was originally handed a one-match ban before receiving an additional three-game suspension for verbally abusing the match official. He has also been fined $10,000 USD.
The Barcelona forward was handed a four-match ban by Conmebol on Friday following his red card and subsequent clash with referee Enqiue Osses during the Selecao’s 1-0 loss to Colombia.
The sanction means Neymar will miss the remainder of the tournament and Argentina midfielder Mascherano says his Blaugrana team-mate has been once again let down by match officials.
“Things like this happen in South American football and even more so in the Copa America, where it’s difficult for players like him because you get more protection in Europe,” Mascherano told ESPN.
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